Florida K9, FDLE’s first ESD dog, dies after battle with cancer
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced the passing of one of their beloved K9s after a battle with cancer.
K9 Maple was the FDLE’s first Electronic Storage Detection dog, beginning her duties in 2019 in the Pensacola region.
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Maple was only one of three K9s statewide, working as an ESD dog in the panhandle before she and her handler, Special Agent Supervisor Stephanie Cassidy, moved to Jacksonville in early 2024.
During her nearly five-year career, K9 Maple was deployed over 100 times and helped collect around 200 pieces of evidence, according to the FDLE.
Several employees shared their gratitude and sorrow for the loss of Maple.
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“Maple served with the highest standards, sniffing out electronics while providing love and support to everyone,” Deputy Commissioner Matt Walsh said. “Rest easy Maple, you are a pioneer for FDLE. All ESD dogs owe you a debt of gratitude for being the first.”
“When Maple came to PROC, I thought she’d have a positive impact on the law enforcement community and the office overall. But I had NO IDEA how much impact she would have with all of our members and beyond,” Pensacola Special Agent in Charge, Chris WIlliams, added. “She has fan clubs everywhere she goes. I believe Maple has had more of a positive impact on morale than any single action by her human friends.”
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